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Archive for the ‘services’ Category

Monday, November 4th, 2013

While there are some professions where tipping is widely accepted such as in hotels and restaurants, there are others where dilemmas exist. For example, when you employ the services of a decorating contractor, do you tip painters?

Sometimes, contractors will factor money designated as gratuity for their painters into the overall bill. In these cases, it’s not necessary to tip the painters. However, if you feel the need to be extra generous, you may need some guidelines on tipping your painters.

Do You Tip Painters for Quality or Speed?

You may want to tip a painter for doing an excellent job or for painting a room faster to complete a project ahead of schedule. Painters help you by making your house more colorful and appealing. They can help you use wall colors to hide stains. If they did the job well, such as painting evenly with no splashes, then it’s understandable for you to want to tip them.

Do You Tip Painters a Little or a Lot?

The typical tipping guideline is to give 15% to 20% of the total job cost. This is standard across all professions and is true for painters as well. If you’re only going to tip $5, you might as well not tip at all, as you may end up insulting the painter.

Another alternative to tipping is to make sure the painters are comfortable while working. You can provide them with snacks and refreshments throughout the day.

Complications with Tipping

While tipping is a noble gesture, some contractors have policies against tipping their employees. So it is better for you to ask your contractor first if it’s okay to tip rather than have the awkward moment when the painter has to refuse your money.

Additionally, contractors may view tipping as a subterfuge, suspecting that you’re trying to make the painter accomplish work without getting the contractor involved.

Need a Painter Today?

TalkLocal can help you locate a painter in your area within minutes! Give us a call to be connect with up to three painting professionals in just minutes.

Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Do It Yourself Storm Windows

Monday, November 4th, 2013

These days, one could easily find a generous selection of storm windows on the market, designed to match all budgets and preferences. Despite the fact that high-quality storm windows launched by respectable manufacturers are relatively inexpensive and widely available, numerous homeowners choose to create their very own models. Are do it yourself storm windows a viable alternative worth your time and money? Keep reading to find out.

How to Create Your Own Storm Windows

If you want to create your own storm windows, start by gathering all the tools and materials required for this job. You will need sandpaper, a screwdriver, a saw, a sharp knife, tape, weather strip films, and a wooden frame.

There are numerous methods that you can apply to come up with excellent results. Would you choose to have a rustic wooden window, or would you rather design a modern-looking one, based on plexiglass, in less than 5 minutes?

Check out a few online tutorials and try to identify the right type of DIY storm windows for you.

The Benefits of DIY Storm Windows

Undoubtedly, do it yourself storm windows are an excellent choice if your budget is limited. A standard storm window manufactured using quality materials can cost you less than $10 and you can probably build it in less than 60 minutes.

The energy savings that it will eventually deliver depend on two factors: the type of fuel that you use to heat your home and the type of primary windows that you have. In case your house has good single-pane windows, you could benefit from annual energy savings estimated at $200 if you use electricity, $135 of you use oil, and almost $70 if you use fire logs.

Moreover, this means that your investment would pay for itself in less than one year. In addition, do it yourself storm windows made by a skilled homeowner could very well last for an entire decade.

Ask an Expert

Are do it yourself storm windows really suitable for your property? Find the best answer to this question by contacting a window replacement expert. Use TalkLocal, a free service, to connect with A-list professionals who live and work in your area.

Posted in Window Replacement | No Comments »

Gas Warm Air Heating

Monday, November 4th, 2013

As winter approaches, millions of people strive to implement changes meant to help them preserve ideal temperatures inside their houses and reduce the pain of their utility bill. Would a modern gas warm air heating system live up to your expectations? Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of this particular residential and commercial heating solution, and don’t hesitate to contact an expert if you have additional questions.

Discover the Advantages of Gas Warm Air Heating Systems

Warm air heating systems running on gas have their fair share of advantages to consider. These systems don’t require radiators to distribute warmth. They can include reliable cooling systems for use during the summer months and have no need of water tanks; therefore their owners don’t have to worry about water leaks or frozen water tanks.

In addition, such systems can also incorporate a good air cleaner utilized to eliminate pollutants, including dust, debris, and pollen, making them ideal for people suffering from severe allergies.

A longer lifespan, reduced running costs, and controlled ventilation are three other major benefits that should be taken into consideration.

Spot the Disadvantages of Gas Warm Air Heating Systems

Warm air heating systems have a few disadvantages, as well.

1. They are relatively expensive and require professional installations.

2. Condensation problems are very common, and you will need to count on decent insulation to prevent them.

3. These systems can be quite noisy.

4. Also, their characteristic dust movement could aggravate respiratory problems if an air cleaner is not incorporated.

If you live in a 2,000-square foot home that already has fully functional air ducts set in place, a new gas warm air heating system could cost you up to $4,000. If you haven’t installed the ductwork yet, be prepared to pay at least as much again.

Ask an Expert

Would a gas warm air heating system represent the best option for you? Only a heating and cooling expert can provide the most accurate answer to this question. Identify competent specialists with TalkLocal, a free service introduced to help you meet top-rated professionals operating in your area.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

Prevent Snow Melt in Garage Interiors

Friday, November 1st, 2013

In winter, you are likely to face an unpleasant issue: a moist garage. What’s to be done? When the weather conditions are changing and it gets warmer after a snow fall, your garage, due to the warmth inside, will suffer from the melting snow. Let’s see what you can do to keep your garage free from snow melt.

4 Things That Will Help You Keep Your Garage Clean

To prevent snow melt in garage buildings, make sure you have the following things at hand:

– A broom

– A mop

– A heater

– A dehumidifier

4 Basic Actions That Will Help You Prevent Snow Melt in Garage

There are a number of things you can do to prevent snow melt in garage spaces. Below are 4 basic actions that will make your task easier:

1. After you get your car inside the garage, get rid of the snow on your vehicle using a broom or a mop.

2. Never let snow or water on the floor of your garage.

3. Buy a heater and use it to warm up your garage.

4. Use a dehumidifier to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating.

When you get home and put your car into your garage, don’t forget about the effects of the excess snow on your vehicle. Melting snow will lead to a certain amount of water on the floor of your garage. Take your broom or a simple mop to sweep the snow off your car and out of your garage, and eliminate the unwanted snow. You should never let snow melt in the interior of your garage.

Another useful measure that will help you keep your garage dry during winter is to buy a heater which will warm your garage, while evaporating moisture. A fan could serve this purpose as well, or you could use both.

Finally, for even better results, use a dehumidifier which will eliminate the excess moisture inside your garage.

Need More Advice?

Removing snow from your home and driveway can be a hassle. If you need professional assistance, TalkLocal can connect you with the right professionals fast and at no cost to you.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

Someone is in My Parking Space

Friday, November 1st, 2013

You come home after a long day spent at the office and you suddenly realize that someone else’s car is occupying your parking space. You might be wondering: what do I do when someone is in my parking space? How could I possibly solve this problem in a civilized, legal manner and how could I prevent such unpleasant situations in the future? Keep reading to find out.

Contact the Owner of the Vehicle Parked in Your Space

All drivers hate the idea of finding another car parked in their spot. Most of them complain about the fact that every single time they leave town for a couple of days, a neighbor jumps in their spot without being invited to do so.

What’s the simplest method to discourage this type of rude behavior? You could start by talking to the owners of the vehicles parked in your space and let them know that their actions bother you.

If plan A doesn’t work, switch to plan B, and don’t forget to call a towing expert if you have any additional questions.

PLan B: Take this Matter into Your Own Hands

Someone is in my parking space. What do I do? Want to hear more about plan B? If your neighbors choose to defy your authority and keep parking their cars in your allocated parking spot, then you should start taking action right away.

You have various options at hand: you could have their car towed and make them pay the price for their rude behavior. Getting a vehicle towed off your property is easy and shouldn’t cause you any trouble. You could start by calling the police and telling them the whole story.

Of course, you could always choose to embrace the DIY approach and tow the car parked on your designated spot, using a long, highly resistant rope. However, it is not recommended to move the car on your own, since you could easily damage it and expose yourself to a long list of repercussions.

Solve this problem in a timely, risk-free manner, by contacting a reputable towing company. If you want to prevent such delicate situations in the long term, consider investing in bollards and lockable parking posts, which will cost you less than $100.

Contact a Towing Expert

Instead of trying to move the car of your rude neighbor on your own, opt for the safest solution and contact a towing expert to avoid lots of drama and unplanned expenses. Find the best one in your area with help from TalkLocal, your trusted connection to first-class professionals who live and work in your area.

Posted in Towing | No Comments »

Average MPG Hybrid Cars

Friday, November 1st, 2013

The average MPG hybrid cars perform to can vary, but it’s generally higher than cars with conventional engines. Miles per gallon, or MPG, represents how far a car can travel on a single gallon of gas, in other words, the fuel consumption of a vehicle. Fuel consumption varies considerably based on many factors, but car manufacturers generally quote an average MPG for each vehicle model and engine.

A car or motorcycle MPG rating will always depend a lot on how the vehicle is driven. The average MPG hybrid cars will return is one of the incentives persuading increasing numbers of drivers to make the switch from conventional vehicles. By having an electric motor to provide some of the power, these cars can really stretch a gallon of gasoline.

Average MPG Depends on the Model

For the Toyota Prius, the average MPG is 40-50. This is quite efficient for a car and is something that you should consider when looking for a hybrid car. For the Honda Civic Hybrid, the average MPG is 38-43, which is significantly lower than the Prius. This may be due to the fact that the Civic has cruise control, which can increase fuel consumption.

For the Chevy Malibu or Saturn Aura, the average MPG is just 25-34. Obviously, this is very low, meaning these two cars are not the most economical examples of hybrid models.

For the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the average MPG is 30-40, which is better than most, but still doesn’t top the Toyota Prius. So, if you’re looking for the most fuel efficient car, the Toyota Prius is worthy of consideration, due to its impressive fuel economy.

Choosing a hybrid car is becoming a more attractive proposition, even for drivers staunchly reluctant to move on from the ‘big ole gas guzzler’ era.

Need Professional Help?

Need auto repair help with your hybrid car? Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you locate a professional near you within minutes of placing your call!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Heating Cooling Repair Tips

Friday, November 1st, 2013

Only a few homeowners have the skills, tools, and patience it takes to fix their own appliances. Most people prefer to rely on professional services, especially when it comes to troubleshooting heating and cooling equipment. How much should you actually invest in heating cooling repair projects, and how could you find the best specialist for this relatively complex, time-consuming task? Keep reading to find out.

Identify the Nature of Your Problem

All family members have one thing in common: they want to feel comfortable in a warm, cozy environment, no matter how cold or hot it is outside. This means that furnaces, heat pumps, air handlers, boilers, thermostats, ductwork, and air conditioners should function properly 24/7.

Uneven and inadequate cooling are two of the most common problems reported by people who own air conditioners. Also, in some cases, the unit suddenly stops cooling or the condenser stops running. In all of these situations, you could try to fix the problem on your own, by cleaning the unit’s evaporator.

Moreover, there are quite a few common heat pump issues that are very inconvenient and should be handled in a timely manner. These include noisy ducts, leaky ducts, and reduced airflow. To prevent all of these problems, it is advisable to replace the filter on a monthly basis. Also, you may want to invest in a professional heat pump inspection every one or two years and remember to remove dust and debris accumulations from your coils and fans regularly.

If you own a boiler, you could be troubled by lack of hot water and/or lack of heat, thermostat issues, pressure loss, gurgling noises, and water leaks. Minor problems are usually solved by the owner, while persistent or complex ones could require the attention of a qualified heating engineer.

Finding the Right Expert

If you’re dealing with a troublesome heating cooling repair project that you can’t complete on your own, it is recommended to opt for professional services. A great specialist will always be able to repair all your heating and cooling equipment, provide quality emergency services around the clock, and offer you access to affordable maintenance programs.

Need to identify the best heating cooling repair specialist in your area? If so, just rely on TalkLocal, a free service designed to connect you with the right professional, right now.

Posted in Heating and Cooling | No Comments »

How to Join Cold Resistant Plastic PVC Pipes Together

Friday, November 1st, 2013

Cold resistant plastic PVC piping is not difficult to install and can be beneficial in cold weather. Plastic piping is very easy to work with because it’s easy to cut and join together to fit most applications. The best piping to use for very cold weather is PVC piping, because these pipes are cold resistant plastic PVC.

There are many sizes of PVC piping on the market, and you can choose which ones would suit your needs. Make sure to choose PVC pipes that are of good quality, without any cracks, so they will not leak. For working with PVC pipes, you will need some of the tools in your carpentry tools list.

Solvent Welding

Solvent welding is the process used to join plastic pipes in order to properly prevent any leaks. This is a five-step process that is relatively simple to accomplish.

1. You need to inspect the length of your pipes for any cracks or leaks. You also need to inspect the fitting sockets and the gouges for any dirt, abrasions, and cracks. These are bad for your pipes. If the pipe that you have is imperfect, cut off the imperfect part to expose a better end for the fitting.

2. Purchase the pipe and the fitting from the same manufacturer. If this is not the case, place the two together and hold the pipe along with the fitting upside down and ensure that the fitting doesn’t fall off.

3. Cut the pipes using a saw-tooth or PVC pipe cutter. Do not use sandpaper on the edges of the PVC pipes because you will take out too much material.

4. Apply a good quality cleaner or primer to the edges of the pipe. This will prepare the pipe for solvent cement action.

5. Brush on a coat of solvent cement that is appropriate for the type of pipe that you are using.

Need Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us connect you with a professional handyman or plumber near you who can help you with PVC pipes!

Tags: plumbing, PVC pipes
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

The smell of smoke in the house is unpleasant to those residing in the house as well as to guests. It’s not that easy to get smoke smell out of house because it tends to get absorbed by carpets and soft furnishings. Thankfully, there is help that can be found and things you can do to eliminate the smell of smoke from your home. A big part of it is about keeping your house clean. A clean home will harbor fewer unpleasant odors.

1. Remove Cloth and Linen

Remove all the linens and cloths in the house. Open the windows to allow fresh air to enter. Wash and launder all your cloth and linen thoroughly. They may retain the smell of smoke if you don’t.

Also check your carpet. If it smells strongly of smoke, consider having it replaced or thoroughly cleaned. You may need to hire a professional carpet cleaner. Make sure you use safe cleaning products throughout.

2. Clean Household Surfaces

Clean floors, ceilings, and windows with a mixture of water and bleach. You will need a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean wood, metal, and plastic surfaces. This will get rid of the smell of smoke entirely. Sprinkle baking soda on your fabric-covered furniture to get rid of the smell faster.

3. Repaint and Deodorize

If the smell of smoke is really strong, you may consider repainting your house completely to remove the smell. After repainting, use a deodorizing spray to remove the smell of the smoke completely.

You may also opt to buy an air purifier so that the air becomes fresher and the smell is gone for good.

Need Professional Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find cleaning services near you! We can help you find cleaners within minutes of placing your call.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

Why 4 Snow Tires?

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

During the winter months, even the most skilled drivers have to invest in precautionary measures to reduce collision risks. Undoubtedly, driving on snow-covered roads can be quite challenging. This is the main reason why vehicle manufacturers advise owners to install maximum traction snow tires on their automobiles. Why 4 snow tires? Keep reading to find out.

Why Do I Need Snow Tires in the First Place?

Snow tires display a special tread pattern, ensuring their incredible performance on ice, thick layers of snow, or slush. Moreover, while summer tires tend to become stiff in cold environments, winter tires are manufactured from soft, premium rubber compounds and manage to preserve their flexibility.

How Many Snow Tires Do I Really Need?

Many people choose to save some money by putting snow tires only on their car’s drive wheels. This is an ill-advised decision that could actually put their safety on the line.

A car with two summer tires and two winter tires is an automobile with a split personality according to most auto repair experts. They agree on the fact that all-season tires are like a pair of common sneakers, while premium winter tires are like a pair of high-quality, heavy-duty boots. Which type of footwear would you use during a hard winter?

Ask an Expert

Why 4 snow tires? The answer is quite simple: If you were to install only 2 snow tires on your car you would save some money, but you would also expose yourself to considerable safety risks. You could easily lose control over a vehicle equipped with only 1 pair of winter tires while cornering and braking.

Need more info on snow tires? In this case, don’t hesitate to contact snow removal experts operating in your area. Spot the best ones by relying on TalkLocal, your source for fresh information designed to help you meet dependable local experts.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

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